Beijing – Temple of Heaven

Beijing was the imperial capitol of China from the 1400s on. As one would expect from an ancient land, the place is filled with artifacts and sites pointing to its rich history.

The Temple of Heaven (天坛) is an imperial religious building in Beijing. Built in the 1400s like many sites in Beijing; it was used by the various emperors of China to give sacrifices to “Heaven” (天) for good harvest of the realms.

The Eight Nation alliance desecrated the temple during their occupation in response to the Boxer Rebellion, and looted many artifacts. Today it is a museum and as you can see a must stop for tourists.

Circular Mound Altar, part of the complex. The emperor would pray for rain in the time of drought. The engineering of this place ensured that the emperor, when standing in the very center of the altar would have his voice amplified as if his voice would be heard by heaven.